Green Card Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28–35 mm) |
| Background color | Plain white or off-white |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI for print |
| File size (digital) | Between 54 KB and 10 MB |
| Pixel dimensions (digital) | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Number of photos needed | 2 identical photos per form |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Which Immigration Forms Need Photos?
| Form | Purpose | Photos Needed |
|---|---|---|
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | 2 photos |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | 2 photos |
| I-751 | Remove Conditions on Residence | 2 photos |
| I-90 | Green Card Renewal/Replacement | 2 photos |
| I-131 | Travel Document (Advance Parole) | 2 photos |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization (EAD) | 2 photos |
| N-400 | Naturalization (Citizenship) | 2 photos |
Photo Requirements in Detail
Face and Expression
Your face must be clearly visible and centered. Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Both ears should be visible. The photo must show your full head from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin.
Background
Plain white or off-white background. No patterns, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about 4 feet from a white wall with even lighting.
Glasses
No glasses allowed since November 2016. Remove all eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses before taking your photo.
Head Coverings
No hats or head coverings except for religious reasons. Even with religious head coverings, your full face must be visible from hairline to chin, and both ears should be visible.
Green Card Photo vs. Passport Photo
They're identical. USCIS Green Card photos follow the exact same specifications as US passport photos. If you already have a recent passport photo (less than 6 months old), you can use it for your Green Card application too.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Wrong dimensions — Not exactly 2×2 inches
- Shadows on face or background — Uneven lighting
- Glasses in photo — Not allowed since 2016
- Non-white background — Must be white/off-white
- Head too large or small — Must be 1 to 1-3/8 inches
- Photo too old — Must be within 6 months
- Blurry or low resolution — Minimum 300 DPI
- Wrong file format (digital) — Must be JPEG
How to Take Your Green Card Photo at Home
- Find a plain white wall with good, even lighting (natural daylight is best)
- Stand about 4 feet from the wall to avoid shadows
- Have someone take the photo at eye level, or use a tripod
- Use your smartphone's rear camera for higher resolution
- Take multiple shots and pick the best one
- Upload to WithSwag to crop, resize, and verify compliance
- Download and print 2 copies on glossy photo paper
Where to Print
- CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo centers ($0.35–$0.50 per 4×6 print)
- Your home printer on glossy 4×6 photo paper
- Use WithSwag's collage mode to fit 4+ photos on one 4×6 sheet
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| CVS/Walgreens passport photo service | $16.99 |
| USPS passport photo | $15.00 |
| Costco photo center | $5.99 |
| WithSwag (at home) | €3.00 (~$3.25) |
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